Partnership helps special operations forces vets enter WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine

William Carey University’s College of Osteopathic Medicine is partnering with a non-profit organization to help military retirees of special operations forces units enter medical school.

The organization, called Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine (SOFtoSOM), fosters the transition of these highly skilled veterans to post-military careers in medicine.

Under the agreement, SOFtoSOM retirees who meet specific criteria — including an MCAT score of 500 and a science GPA of 3.60 — are guaranteed an interview when they apply to the WCU College of Osteopathic Medicine (WCUCOM).

“This partnership reflects our commitment to serving those who have served us. By creating clear pathways for veterans to enter the field of medicine, we are not only enhancing the diversity of our future healthcare providers but also strengthening the healthcare system as a whole,” said Dr. Italo Subbarao, dean of WCUCOM.

Special operations forces service members receive more advanced medical training than their counterparts in conventional military units. Within SOF, medical preparedness is a critical skill set, as these units often function in environments where immediate medical support may not be available.

“This represents an incredible opportunity to cultivate the next generation of combat-proven physicians,” said Brentyn Jones, SOFtoSOM director of partnership.

“SOFtoSOM Scholars bring exceptional qualities, including leadership, decisiveness, mental resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence — traits honed through their experiences in special operations forces. These attributes translate seamlessly into the medical field, where maintaining composure in high-pressure situations is invaluable.”

The new agreement also ensures guaranteed acceptance for qualified applicants into WCU’s one-year Master’s Degree in Biomedical Science program. SOFtoSOM Scholars who complete this master's program with a grade point average of at least 3.50 will be guaranteed an interview with WCUCOM.

SOFtoSOM students can also apply for scholarships to attend an in-person summer course to help them prepare for the MCAT, further enhancing their chances of acceptance.

Special Operations Forces to School of Medicine is the first non-profit organization dedicated to aiding Special Operators in their medical education pursuits. The agreement between WCU and SOFtoSOM, effective for three years, establishes a formal affiliation with a goal of supporting the mission of both organizations.